emery board to slightly round the corners. This can keep them strong and prevent them from catching.
To reduce the odds of an ingrown toenail, cut toenails straight across.
Use a nail file or emery board to smooth uneven or rough edges. Always file the nail in the same direction — filing back and forth can weaken nails.
Don’t fuss over your cuticles. Cuticles protect the root of the nail, which is why you shouldn’t cut or push them back. Trimming or cutting your cuticles can invite bacteria and other germs into your body, causing an infection. A nail infection can take a long time to clear.
After trimming, moisturize your nails to keep them flexible. This is very important when the air is dry, because dry nails split easily.
More information
The Mayo Clinic offers more information on nail care.
